Most people hope that they are never in a situation where they are going to need to hire a lawyer, but the odds are great that you are going to need one at some point. Like any other consumer choice, it’s very important to do your homework and properly research potential law firms prior to deciding who you want to represent you. Here are a few things to keep in mind when looking for potential representation.
- Area of expertise – Many lawyers and law firms have developed specialized legal issues that they concentrate on. It is important to know what your particular issue involves so you can find a lawyer that concentrates on that particular issue on a regular basis.
- Location – Most people are going to want to have a lawyer that lives in a specific area. It may be the area where a certain event took place, or where you or somebody else lives. If you want a lawyer that you can meet with and visit face to face, then you need to find a lawyer near you.
- Experience and reputation – It is important to know how long a law firm has been in existence, how many cases they have handled like yours and what their reputation is in the community. Don’t hesitate to do research on the internet and even ask friends and family if they have had any experiences that might provide some insight.
- Comfort – One of the, if not the most, important thing to consider when choosing a lawyer is your comfort level. This includes the lawyer, their staff, and their office. It is important to talk to the law firm and make sure that you a comfortable before entering into a lawyer client relationship. Most law firms will not charge anything for an initial consultation and this is a great opportunity to see what it would potentially look like to work on your case. If you feel like there is an immediate comfort level, then chances are good that there will be a smooth relationship moving forward.
